Park: Other site within Seongju could be reviewed for THAAD

Park: Other site within Seongju could be reviewed for THAAD. August. 05, 2016 07:56. by 장택동, 강경석기자 기자will71@donga.com,coolup@donga.com.

On controversy over the planned deployment of terminal high-altitude area defense (THAAD), President Park Geun-hye said on Thursday that to help ease anxiety among residents in Seongju County, the government will closely inspect if there is any new site that the county recommends.

President Park made the remarks at the presidential office at a 110-minute meeting with first-term lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party hailing from Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, and Rep. Lee Wan-young, whose constituency is Seongju County. Rep. Kim Jeong-jae quoted President Park as saying, “We will inform the public accurately and in details the result of investigation into (the viability of other sites within Seongju County other than Seongsan Artillery Fort).”

Concerning the president’s remarks, the Defense Ministry said, “If the local government concerned (Seongju County) requests us to consider the viability of other sites within Seongju County, we will examine them in accordance with the criteria for the site of THAAD deployment on our own.” In its briefing on July 26, the ministry said, “Based on various criteria and factors, the site that has been chosen (Seongsan Artillery Fort) was deemed to be the optimum site,” but has backed down a bit nine days later.

A senior official at the presidential office said that the government never means to reconsider the deployment of THAAD at all, adding that President Park did not make the remarks on the premise that the site of the THAAD deployment will be changed.

“I expect that Seongju residents will not accept even if THAAD is to be deployed at another site in Seongju,” Rep. Lee said after the meeting. "The residents’ intention is opposing THAAD deployment in the county.” Even if the site of THAAD deployment is reconsidered, controversy will likely continue for now.